Let’s be real: only a tiny percentage of people are cut out to be world class athletes.
So how can sports lovers pursue their passions if they lack superhuman strength and speed? Are they doomed to take on jobs that have nothing to do with their true interests?
As it turns out, there are tons of jobs related to sports for non-athletes – and many of them actually pay pretty well, according to Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that gathers information on hundreds of occupations.
We sought out positions with a median annual salary of over $50,000 that somehow involved an interest in sports.
Here are 11 high-paying positions with that might be a great fit for sports enthusiasts:
Commercial diver
Median salary: $50,470
Commercial divers work below the surface of water, using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures.
Recreation or fitness studies professor
Median salary: $59,280
Recreation and fitness studies teachers teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management.
Agent or business manager of artists, performers, or athletes
Median salary: $62,940
Agents and business managers represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers.
Program director
Median salary: $68,440
Program directors direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Ship or boat captain
Median salary: $76,780
Ship and boat captains command vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.
Fitness and wellness coordinator
Median salary: $76,930
Fitness and wellness coordinators manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services.
Statistician
Median salary: $80,110
Statisticians develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information.
Physical therapist
Median salary: $84,020
Physical therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Health specialties professor
Median salary: $90,840
Health specialties teachers teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Sports medicine physician
Median salary: $187,200
Sports medicine physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician
Median salary: $187,200
Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.